Inducted 2021

Inducted in 2021
Owen is a past president of both ECFWA and CFWF (1993-1995). He was the first Canadian to be elected to the IFAJ presidium (2010). He first served as secretary general and then as vice president, before becoming IFAJ president in 2016, serving in this capacity until 2020.

Owen was the research communications director at the University of Guelph. He taught agricultural communications, served as editor of the University’s Research magazine, and created the Students Promoting Awareness of Research Knowledge (SPARK) program to increase awareness of the University’s research activities and offer hands-on experience to students. Many of his former students are active in journalism, communications, and marketing in Ontario and elsewhere.

Owen created the CFWF Professional Development Fund with the legacy funds of the IFAJ 2011 congress.

He increased membership in IFAJ, expanding membership to new countries, and led the creation and development of the IFAJ Young Leader and Master Class programs.

Owen is a regular contributor to several agricultural print and online publications.

As a journalist and a columnist, Owen has reached into mainstream media to discuss agri-food issues and bridge the gap between urban and rural. He has been published in the Toronto Star, Guelph Today, and the Woolwich Observer.

Owen is also active on social media and maintains an urban-friendly blog.

Owen recently retired from his position at the University of Guelph but is now an instructor and faculty member at the University of Illinois, in the Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications program.

Owen has been a member of ECFWA since the 1980s. He maintains an active an engaged membership – continuing to participate in ECFWA events and volunteering on the CFWF2021 conference planning committee.